Have you ever heard someone say, “Dial *#21# on your phone to check if it’s hacked!”? It sounds mysterious, high-tech, and a little bit scary. Your first instinct might be to grab your phone and try it right away. But wait—does that code really tell you if your phone is hacked?
Let’s dive into the truth, the myths, and a few laughs while we’re at it.
What is *#21# anyway?
*#21# is a special code. It’s part of a group of commands called USSD codes. Mobile carriers use them to perform simple tasks like checking your balance or accessing call forwarding settings. When you dial *#21#, your phone shows if your calls, texts, or data are being forwarded.
Now, that might sound pretty serious. Call forwarding? Is someone spying on you?
Wait… So, is this a spy code?
Not quite.
Seeing call forwarding doesn’t mean your phone is hacked. It just tells you whether your phone is set to divert calls or texts to another number. And believe it or not, sometimes that’s totally normal. For example:
- Your voicemail may use call forwarding.
- Some businesses set up call forwarding for you.
- You might have turned it on by accident.
So before you panic and throw your phone into a volcano, relax. Seeing some settings listed doesn’t automatically = hacking.
So, why do people think it’s a hack detector?
That rumor started online. Some people made videos and posts saying *#21# will reveal the truth behind any hacking. The result? Millions of people trying it… and misunderstanding the results.
But hey, the idea caught on because everyone wants a simple way to find out if their phone is safe. Unfortunately, *#21# is not the magic key to that info.
What actually happens when I dial that code?
When you press *#21# and hit call, your phone just talks to your carrier. It asks: “Hey, are any services being forwarded right now?” Your carrier responds with a quick little report. That’s it.
No top-secret hacker info. No virus detection. Just normal network stuff.
Real signs your phone MIGHT be compromised
Worried about hacking? You’ve got better ways to spot danger than mysterious codes. Check out these common signs instead:
- Your battery drains way faster than usual.
- Weird apps appear that you didn’t install.
- Your data usage suddenly spikes.
- You hear strange noises during calls.
- Your phone acts like it has a mind of its own.
If these sound familiar, it’s time to dig deeper.
What to do if you think your phone really IS hacked
Don’t worry. You’ve got options. Try these first:
- Update your operating system.
- Delete any suspicious apps.
- Run security scans using trusted software.
- Change your passwords (all of them!).
- If things get worse, do a factory reset. Yep, the big one.
Still unsure? Take it to a pro. Most phone shops or service providers can help you out.
What about other secret codes?
Yes! There are many codes like *#21#. Some let you test hardware, find your IMEI number, or check network info. But none of them are hacker detectors. They’re tools—for techs and phone nerds.
Final thoughts
So, does *#21# really tell you if your phone is hacked? Nope. It shows if you have call forwarding turned on. That’s it. Fun to try, but not a spy-detecting supercode.
Instead of relying on number codes from the internet, keep your phone safe the smart way—update it, use good passwords, avoid sketchy apps, and keep an eye out for weird behavior.
And next time someone tells you to dial a code to reveal “The Truth”… just smile. You’re smarter than that now!